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Is it normal to feel like a hypocrite or a bad person if I keep making the same mistakes and have many distracting thoughts during prayer, even after repenting for everything I’ve done?
(Ps: I’ve tried everything in my power to stay on the right path and avoid making mistakes, but every time I begin to pray, the cycle starts all over again, making me feel even more guilty than before)
It’s tough when you feel like you’re stuck in a cycle of making mistakes and then feeling guilty about them, especially during prayer. Remember, nobody’s perfect, and it’s okay to struggle with these feelings. Have you tried talking to someone you trust about how you’re feeling? Sometimes sharing our thoughts can help lighten the burden.
بِسْمِ اللهِ الرَّحْمٰنِ الرَّحِيْمِ
Imam al-Baqir (AS): A believer is not one who does not fall into sin, but the one who, when he sins, repents and seeks forgiveness.”
( Source: Al-Kafi by Sheikh Kulayni Volume 2, Page 426, Hadith 3 )
It’s completely normal to feel like that when you keep making the same mistakes and have distracting thoughts during prayer, even after repenting. You’re not alone in this struggle, and it’s a common experience for many people who are sincerely trying to improve their spiritual life.
Even when I started to pray , I Remeber I used to pray with all my focus to around 1 week and then abandoned the namaz for 1 month . Then again I started and focused for 1 month then again abandoned it for 1 week , this happened with me like 3-4 times but at the end just from a random day I started to pray everyday upto this day .
Remember, being human means being imperfect. We all make mistakes and face distractions, especially during moments of spiritual significance like Namaz . It’s part of our nature.
The fact that you recognize these issues and feel guilty about them is hella a positive sign. Your efforts to stay on the right path and avoid mistakes are valuable, even if you feel like you’re not succeeding as you’d like.
Feeling guilty is a natural part of this process, but try not to let it overwhelm you. Use it as motivation to keep striving .
Your awareness of your actions and your desire to improve are key aspects of your spiritual journey. Taqwa is about the continuous effort to be mindful of Allah in every aspect of your life.
Reflect on the meanings of the words in your namaz. This can help deepen your connection and reduce distractions.
Imam Jafar al-Sadiq (AS): “When you stand for prayer, stand with awe and humility, and when you recite, recite with reflection and understanding.”
(Source: Usul al-Kafi by Sheikh Kulayni Volume 3, Page 299, Hadith 8 )
It’s okay to feel challenged and even frustrated at times. The key is to keep trying and to trust in Allah’s mercy and understanding. Your sincere efforts are seen and valued by Him.
Imam Jafar al-Sadiq (AS): : “When a believer sins, Allah grants him respite for seven hours. If he seeks forgiveness from Allah, He does not record it against him.”
(Al-Kafi by Sheikh Kulayni, Volume 2, Page 425, Hadith 2)
Imam al-Ridha (AS): “If people knew how great Allah’s reward is for relying upon Him, they would compete to do so. Allah says, ‘Whoever relies on Me, I will suffice him and provide for him from sources he could never imagine.'”
(Bihar al-Anwar by Allama Majlisi, Volume 71, Page 318)
~Jazakallah